Sourav Ganguly Files ₹50 Crore Defamation Suit Over Messi Controversy

Sourav Ganguly has taken a strong legal stance by filing a ₹50 crore defamation suit against a Kolkata football fan club official. The suit arises from allegations that Ganguly was involved in organizing Lionel Messi's controversial India tour. Alongside a police complaint, Ganguly asserts that these claims have harmed his reputation and mental well-being. The situation escalated after the cancellation of a planned event honoring Messi due to disturbances at the venue. This article delves into the details of the allegations and Ganguly's response, highlighting the impact on his esteemed career.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 12:18 IST

Ganguly Takes Legal Action Against Football Fan Club Official

Sourav Ganguly has initiated a defamation lawsuit amounting to ₹50 crore against a representative of a Kolkata-based football fan club. This action comes after the official allegedly implicated him in the Lionel Messi controversy and made disparaging remarks about the former Indian cricket captain.

The cricketer-turned-administrator also filed a police report against Uttam Saha from the 'Argentina Football Fan Club' on Thursday.

Ganguly stated, "In addition to the police report, I have issued a ₹50 crore legal notice to this fan club official. They seem to say whatever they wish without any regard for truth," as reported by a news source.

Saha had claimed in an interview that Ganguly was the mastermind behind organizing Messi's G.O.A.T India tour, suggesting that the now-detained main organizer, Satadru Dutta, was merely a figurehead.

In his complaint sent to the Cyber Cell of Kolkata Police, Ganguly expressed that the statements made by Saha have negatively impacted his reputation and mental well-being.

A police officer noted that the complaint alleges serious accusations against Ganguly without any factual support, and an investigation is currently in progress.

Ganguly emphasized in his complaint that such unfounded claims seem to be an effort to damage his well-established reputation.

In his email, he highlighted that throughout his extensive career, he has built a respected image both nationally and internationally as a sports figure and administrator, and these 'baseless' remarks threaten to undermine that legacy.

Ganguly was set to honor the Argentine football star and his team alongside Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other notable guests on December 13. However, the event was called off due to significant disturbances among spectators at the Salt Lake stadium following Messi's early departure.